Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State
A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Dr. Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has urged the Council of State to prevent any interference from the Presidency in the ongoing petition against Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
This comes after the presidency revealed it had received three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal, which President Mahama forwarded to the Council of State for review.
Ansah-Asare attributes the petitions to President Akufo-Addo’s handling of a previous petition against the Chief Justice.
He advised the Council of State to conduct an independent review, noting its capability to handle the matter. Ansah-Asare expressed respect for the Council’s composition, citing its distinguished members, including a former speaker and a former Chief Justice.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Ansah-Asare emphasised the importance of the Council of State handling the matter without external influence.
He said, “It’s a needles constitutional issue that has arisen, let’s go about it and I’m addressing the Council of State. Let the reconstituted Council of State go about this matter in the best interest of the nation.
“Devoid the fact that they have been appointed by the current president John Mahama, I respect the composition, I respect the members and I’m proud that the membership includes a former speaker, the number 2 or 3 in line and then a former Chief Justice, the number 3 or 4 in line. So it’s a body, very distinguished, very capable. Let’s allow them, don’t let the president attempt to interfere, to dictate how their minds should go.”
The petitions are currently under review by the Council of State, with its recommendations expected to guide the next steps in the process.